Israeli Military Targets and Kills Five Militants in West Bank Raid

The Israeli military reported on Thursday that it has killed five militants, including a prominent local commander, in a significant operation in the West Bank.

The operation took place early in the morning in the city of Tulkarem. Mohammed Jaber, also known as Abu Shujaa, a commander of the Islamic Jihad militant group based in the Nur Shams refugee camp near Tulkarem, was among those killed. Abu Shujaa rose to prominence earlier this year after being mistakenly reported dead by Israeli forces, only to later appear at the funeral of other militants, making him a symbol for many Palestinians.

According to the Israeli military, Abu Shujaa and four other militants were killed in a shootout after seeking refuge inside a mosque. The military claimed that Abu Shujaa was involved in numerous attacks on Israelis, including a fatal shooting in June, and was planning more. Another militant was arrested as a result of the operation, and a member of Israel’s Border Police received minor injuries.

The raid in Tulkarem is part of a larger operation that began overnight and spread to other areas such as Jenin and Jordan Valley. The operation has resulted in a significant increase in violence in the West Bank, which has intensified since the conflict with Hamas began on October 7.

The operation has sparked international concern, with UN Secretary-General António Guterres and EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell both concerned about the impact of such large-scale military operations on an already volatile situation. Meanwhile, local Palestinian sources reported that at least 12 Palestinians were killed in the larger operations on Wednesday, though their exact identities and affiliations are unknown.

With input from the Associated Press, Reuters, USA Today.